Fishers' fears remain over Abbot Point dredging

Fishermen in Bowen remain concerned about plans to dump dredge spoil in waters near the Abbot Point coal terminal in north Queensland, despite the port authority releasing an updated public environment report.

In the report, North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) says it is looking at finding a new offshore dumping zone for up to three million cubic metres of sediment it will need to dredge to expand the facility.

Bowen seafood wholesaler Terry Must says while the company is now engaging directly with the local fishing industry over the proposal, fishermen are wary of the potential effect on their livelihoods.

"We need some guarantees to the fishing industry of what they can do for us when they and if they do dump this dredge spoil," he said.

"They think they've got a given right to dump the spoil in the ocean.

"Today onwards the [Great Barrier Reef] Marine Park Authority should say to port developers that no more goes in the ocean.

"There's no need for that, so if they can't afford to dig it up and put it on land they shouldn't have a port development."

NQBP says alternatives such as extending the terminal's jetty will not work and dredging is the best method for the expansion.